Holden may quit car making earlier than expected

Holden may stop its Australian car making operations before
its planned departure date of 2017 because its component suppliers may not last
that long, according to an industry figure.

The Australian reports that Goran Roos, chairman of the
South Australian government’s Advanced Manufacturing Council believes that,
despite Holden’s wish to remain until 2017, the company may have to quit
earlier.

“General Motors has said 2017, but what happens if one of
their key component suppliers keels over before then, or if they lose key
personnel?” he told the Australian.

“Even if they want to stay, they won’t be able to.

“It would mean that there is no desire or intent to exit
earlier, but they just don’t have a choice.

“It is my personal opinion that they will (leave before
2017).”

There have been estimates that as many as 95 per cent of
South Australian component suppliers will die as a result of the death of car manufacturing.
Professor Roos said that these figures are realistic.

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